Where to meet Santa this Christmas

07 Dec 2017

Without question, the Christmas season is the most magical time of the year. As adults, we get to relive our own childhood through the eyes of our children. This means getting excited about putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it until there are no baubles left, leaving out milk, cookies and carrots for Santa Claus and his merry crew, and meeting the bearded man himself! You heard that right.

Here at Stagecoach, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best locations for your little ones to meet Santa Claus throughout December. But remember, he has a list of who is naughty and who is nice — so remind your little tinkers to be on their best behaviour from now on!

York

If you’re looking to accomplish two tasks on one trip, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. York Designer Outlet has some of the best stores for Christmas shopping, with even better prices — allowing you to get any last-minute gifts for that special someone! When it comes to the grotto and meeting Santa Claus himself, there is a small fee of £4.50 per child which includes a wrapped gift that they will receive in the log cabin. Book now.

Dates: 18th November – 17th December

Edinburgh

If you’re in the Scottish capital this Christmas, visiting Santa’s Grotto on George Street will be like a theatrical experience for £8. Santa Claus gathers the children in his warm cabin, where he sits himself on the Throne of Christmas — surrounded by lots of wrapped presents which will later be given to each child. Father Christmas will then talk to the children about the festive season. Each child will then be able to sit on his lap and tell them what they want for Christmas — Santa's little helpers will be listening in and will report back to the North Pole to see if it's possible! Book now.

Dates: 18th November – 24th December

Swansea

Christmas is all about making memories, so if you’re in Swansea, why not head to Waterfront Winterland? Capture the moment with a professional image which will be given to you at the end of the meet and greet which costs £5.75 (£4.75 excluding a photograph). Each child that comes to the grotto will receive a special gift from Father Christmas. If you want to encourage your child to get more involved with the festive season, get them to write him a letter and the team behind this grotto will try to send a response! Book now.

Dates: 19th November – 24th December.

Stratford

If you’re looking for a more unique experience this Christmas, Stratford is the place to be. Ticketed at £8, visits will last around 45 minutes — making it a more memorable day for your little ones. At the beginning, each child will receive a ‘Frostmakers Passport’ from the elves and will then meet Father Christmas himself where they will be given a storybook designed specifically for families to read together on Christmas Eve as well as other gifts to make everything more magical. You will later head into the Enchanted Manor and solve different puzzles. To end on a high, you’ll enter the Snow Room and throw snowballs at each other! Book now.

Dates: 23rd November – 24th December

Surrey

Father Christmas has bought himself a 17th-century home which is as enchanted as you would think. With beautiful gardens and historic architecture, Ham House makes the perfect backdrop for any family Christmas card photograph. Once your little one meets Santa Claus, they will receive a goody bag reward for being on the good list at a fee of £5! If you want to take part in different events with your children, activities include biscuit decorating and creating their own reindeer antlers which would be a lovely addition to the Christmas tree. Book now.

Dates: 16th December – 23rd December

London

Christmas in the capital is unlike any other and Westfield shopping centre has its own Snowflake Grotto welcoming children who want to meet Father Christmas at a price of £7. Children will meet Santa Claus and make their own snowflake in the factory as well as take part in other activities! Each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas and will have their photographs taken which can be purchased after the visit — which lasts around 20-25 minutes. Book now.